MSU recruiting: Delton Williams aims to help on offense early, defense later

February 6, 2013

Erie Cathedral Prep's Delton Williams, left, stiff-arms West Allegheny's Donte McCallister on a carry in the second quarter of a Pennsylvania state quarterfinal game in Erie, Pa. Williams, expected to sign with MSU today, could potentially be a safety, linebacker, running back or receiver in college. / Jack Hanrahan/Associated Press

ERIE, Pa. -- He's the second-most-talked-about Michigan State recruit from his own high school, but Delton Williams might have as much early impact as any of the 18 players expected to sign with the Spartans today.

Mark Dantonio's seventh recruiting class at MSU again will be smaller than many, the mark of an established program with limited attrition. It again will be ranked in the 30s nationally -- five of his first six classes were ranked between 30 and 42 by Rivals.com, with the 2009 class coming in at No. 17.

And it likely will again be light on immediate contributors, despite the fact that MSU is coming off a disappointing 7-6 season. The 2012 freshman class saw two of its members play as true freshmen: receivers Aaron Burbridge and Macgarrett Kings Jr.

This class has a few possibilities, including kicker Michael Geiger, running backs Gerald Holmes and R.J. Shelton, and Terry, who hopes to make it a four-man competition at quarterback when he arrives in the summer. Perhaps heralded linebackers Jon Reschke and Shane Jones will get a chance to help early.

And then there's Williams, who appears to be the most versatile member of the class. The other 17 prospects have clearly defined positions, but he could potentially be a safety, linebacker, running back or receiver.

ESPN analyst Jared Shanker and Rivals.com analyst Matt Dorsey said they expect the 6-foot-2, 210-pound Williams to end up at outside linebacker. Williams and his high school coach envision a landing spot at strong safety, his defensive position as a senior.

"Delton has a lot more size than Bob. Hitting-wise, very few kids hit like Bob Sanders," Mischler said. "But when Delton gets it going, he can certainly bring it."

And he can run it, which is why Williams should be considered a candidate for the running back position vacated by Le'Veon Bell. He also said he's willing to give it a shot at receiver -- as a senior, he ran for 697 yards and 13 touchdowns and caught 59 passes for 838 yards and 11 TDs.

He also returned three punts, two picks and a fumble for touchdowns. That playmaking ability helps explain why Williams had 23 scholarship offers, ultimately picking MSU over Nebraska and West Virginia.

And his natural leadership ability was a big factor, Terry and Mischler said, in Cathedral Prep's 15-0 season.

"Phenomenal personality," Mischler said. "One of the best leaders I've ever seen. He singlehandedly elevated people to his level of play, and it's a pretty high level."

The question is when and where it will be seen at MSU.

Dantonio will hold a 3 p.m. news conference today to discuss the class for the first time. Signing Day often involves surprises, but no late drama is anticipated in East Lansing.

Contact Joe Rexrode: 313-222-2625 or jrexrode@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @joerexrode. Check out his MSU blog at freep.com/heyjoe.